Celtic v Rangers ticket row: The Union Bears issue 130-word statement as Ibrox club ponders next move

Celtic will only sell ticket to Rangers for the Premiership match at Parkhead a week on Sunday if The Union Bears are locked out. It follows unsavoury scenes during the last Old Firm derby in March at Ibrox, where supporters stormed the pitch following a Scottish Cup tie won by Celtic on penalties.

The matter was referred to a Scottish Professional Football League sub-committee, which decided on Friday evening not to “overrule a risk assessment” by Celtic.

Rangers have yet to comment on the matter, but The Union Bears released a statement on Saturday condemning “a direct attack on fan culture” while urging the Ibrox outfit to carry on without them at Celtic Park.

The Union Bears wrote: “The Union Bears strongly condemn the decision to ban the group from the upcoming Old Firm fixture.

“We believe this decision represents a direct attack on fan culture and sets a dangerous precedent, not only at Rangers, but across Scottish football as a whole.

“Following this ruling, we have been in dialogue with Rangers and have urged the club to accept the conditions required to ensure a full allocation, as it is essential that a fully unified Rangers support is present at the fixture.

“Now more than ever, it is is vital that the Rangers support stands united.

“Yesterday’s decision reflects a fear from clubs and authorities, a fear of the positive impact of the Rangers support.

“We must ensure that unwavering backing for the team from the stands continues.”

Rangers now must decide whether to accept the Celtic Park allocation in the region of 2,200 seats. If it is not taken up, it has been reported that the away stand would remain empty rather than be opened up to home supporters.

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